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Apr 30, 2024

The 12 Best Glass Food Storage Containers of 2023

Upgrade to containers that are way more durable and versatile than plastic. Jump to a Section We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may

Upgrade to containers that are way more durable and versatile than plastic.

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Real Simple / Alli Waataja

If you’re tired of rifling through an overflowing drawer of dingy plastic food containers, consider upgrading to a quality set of glass food storage containers. Unlike plastic, glass is typically oven-safe, and certain containers can even go straight from the oven to the freezer and vice versa.

“Glass containers last longer (as long as you don't break them!) while plastic ones can easily get scratched and warped in the dishwasher,” says Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog Work Week Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook. “Glass containers are less likely to retain odors and color from food as well.”

We spent hours researching the best glass food storage containers, considering factors such as durability, thermal shock-resistance, versatility, and value. We also received tips and recommendations from Koren.

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want a variety of different containers in one set.

Who it isn't for: People who want locking lids.

Pyrex is known for its durable yet lightweight food storage that can last a lifetime when properly cared for, and this set is no exception. “Pyrex glass containers are definitely my favorite!” says Talia Koren. “They make oven-safe, freezer-safe glass containers that are significantly lighter in weight than other brands.”

This affordable 18-piece set features a variety of rectangular and round containers in varying sizes, ideal for both storing leftovers and meal prep. The different colored lids make it easy to match them to their corresponding containers, and gives you the ability to color code for better fridge, freezer, and pantry organization. The set stacks neatly together to maximize storage space. The clear view containers make it easy to achieve a picture-worthy before and after refrigerator makeover.

Made from durable tempered glass—which means the glass has been heat treated to make it more durable—the containers are microwave-, freezer-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe—although we don’t recommend exposing them to extreme temperature changes, like going directly from the freezer to the oven. (The same goes for all tempered glass containers, as borosilicate glass has better thermal-shock resistance.) However, tempered glass is less prone to breaking when dropped or hit against something.

For those with limited grip strength or arthritis, the airtight, press-on lids are easier to seal and remove than snap-on/locking lids, but the trade-off here is they might not be as leak-proof when carrying on the go. Lastly, we love that the Pyrex glass food storage containers have less of a “lunch box” appearance than much of the competition, which means you can seamlessly bake, serve, and store, all from the same container.

Price at time of publish: $50 for 18-piece set

Glass Type: Tempered | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 7-cup round (1), 6-cup rectangle (1), 4-cup round (2), 3-cup rectangle (2), 2-cup round (2), 1-cup round (1) | Care: Top-rack dishwasher-safe

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want a wide range of locking glass containers at a great value.

Who it isn't for: People with limited space who need stackable containers.

This affordable, catch-all set contains three different shapes—round, square, and rectangular—as well as a variety of different sizes for a total of 12 containers and 12 lids. The locking rubber-sealed lids make these containers 100 percent leakproof, so your leftovers can go straight from the fridge to your lunch box without worry. The airtight seal will preserve those leftover deviled eggs from Easter in your refrigerator for up to four days. This collection is a great starter set because it has a size or shape for virtually every need. The round containers are excellent for storing liquids like soups and stews, while the square and rectangular containers will maximize fridge space and fit nicely into a backpack or lunch box.

On the downside, the manufacturer warns not to stack these containers without using a layer of plastic to separate them, in order to avoid possible breakage. Those with limited storage space, like, say, in a dorm or small apartment, will want to keep this in mind when storing this set.

Price at time of publish: $38 for 24-piece set

Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 1.6-cup rectangle (2), 2.7 cup-rectangle (1), 4.5-cup rectangle (1), 1.4-cup square (2), 2.3-cup square (1), 3.4-cup square (1), 1.7-cup round (2), 2.7-cup round (1), 4.1-cup round (1) | Care: Containers are dishwasher-safe; lids should be hand-washed

Target

Who it’s for: People who want sleek storage containers with a nonstick coating and glass lids.

Who it isn’t for: People who want their food storage containers to be completely clear.

Caraway is known for its ceramic nonstick cookware that provides an alternative to traditional nonstick coatings, so it’s no surprise that its lineup of food storage containers comes free of any plastic—even the lids are glass—and coated in its signature ceramic nonstick coating. Thus, you can seamlessly cook, serve, and store from the same dish, without worrying about food sticking to the interior.

Unlike its cookware, Caraway’s food storage containers are dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is no issue. Furthermore, the containers are freezer-safe and microwave-safe, as well as oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (just be sure to remove the lids before you put them in the oven or microwave), which is great because reheating leftovers to a high enough temperature is one way to prevent food poisoning. The set comes with five different containers in varying shapes and sizes, as well as two “dash” and two “dot” inserts, which fit inside the containers to keep sides or dressings separate. And Caraway always keeps storage in mind—the included modular storage rack allows you to neatly store and display your food storage containers (because you’ll want people to see these beauties).

Like all Caraway products, it comes in a number of stunning color options to match any existing decor. Just keep in mind that because of the colorful nonstick coating, the contents of the containers are only visible from the top through the glass lid. This is the most expensive set on our list by a mile, and it’s likely overkill for anyone who wants some basic containers to stow away in a lunch box. But for those willing to splurge, you’ll have an all-in-one set of bakeware, servingware, and storage containers that are as functional as they are attractive.

Price at time of publish: $305

Glass Type: Nonstick ceramic-coated borosilicate glass | Lid Type: Nonstick ceramic-coated tempered glass | Sizes: 10-cup square (1), 6.6-cup rectangle (2), 4.4-cup square (2), 4-ounce dot insert (2), 9-ounce dash insert (2), storage organizers (3) | Care: Dishwasher-safe

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want to store and organize dry ingredients.

Who it isn't for: People who want to reheat ingredients in the container.

One of the benefits of using clear pantry storage containers like these is that they allow you to keep dry ingredients organized and visible—but that's not all. The airtight bamboo lids not only add a clean, minimalist feel to any pantry, but they keep food fresh for longer. As you press down on the lid, you'll hear the sound of the pressure as the rubber-sealed bamboo creates an airtight seal around your food, ensuring it's safe from pests or dust.

Available both individually and as a set of four, the sizes include a 4-inch jar that’s perfect for coffee, tea or spices; a 6-inch jar for nuts, seeds, or candy; an 8-inch jar for grains, beans, or rice; and a 12-inch jar for pasta or flour. The borosilicate glass (this type of glass contains boron trioxide, which makes it more resistant to thermal shock) is both dishwasher- and fridge-safe, so you can use these jars beyond just the pantry.

Price at time of publish: $50

Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Bamboo | Sizes: 3.9-inch jar (1), 5.9-inch jar (1), 7.9-inch jar (1), 11-inch jar (1) | Care: Containers are dishwasher-safe; lids should be hand-washed

Amazon

Who it's for: People who want containers with separate compartments for meal prep.

Who it isn't for: People who store larger items in single containers.

For meal prep, divided containers are a game-changer, as they allow you to portion out ingredients into separate compartments without using multiple containers—plus they speed up cooling so you can properly store food in the refrigerator. The two compartments paired with the leak-proof locking lids make these containers ideal for preparing and carrying lunches to work, school, and elsewhere. Plus, their stackable, rectangular design helps you save precious fridge space during the week.

The thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass means the containers, which are safe for the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher, can easily go from one temperature extreme to the next. Plus, the vented lids release steam or pressure if you put hot food directly in the containers. While the lids are leak-proof, the compartments are not, so it's probably best to store liquids in a separate container entirely to avoid spillover from one compartment to the other.

Price at time of publish: $40

Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 3-cup rectangle (5) or 4.5-cup rectangle (5) | Care: Containers are dishwasher-safe; lids should be hand-washed

Amazon

Who it's for: People who need leak-proof containers.

Who it isn't for: People with arthritis or grip-strength challenges.

These modular, stackable containers from Rubbermaid feature leak-proof and airtight locking lids, so you can toss them in a backpack or lunchbox with peace of mind. Those pricey farmstand strawberries will stay fresh for up to a week when stored correctly in one of these clear airtight containers. The trade-off here is that the locking lids can be difficult to maneuver for those with limited grip strength or arthritis.

Although they're meant for storage, the sleek glass base makes them suitable for baking and serving straight from the container. Each container is microwave-, dishwasher-, freezer-, and oven-safe (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit), and features a vented, microwave-safe lid that allows for splatter-free reheating—a rare find in glass food storage containers.

Price at time of publish: $57 for 8-piece set

Glass Type: Tempered | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 2-cup rectangle (2), 3.2-cup rectangle (2) | Care: Top-rack dishwasher-safe

Williams Sonoma

Who it's for: People who want containers with glass lids rather than plastic.

Who it isn't for: People who want containers for carrying to work or school on a regular basis.

Most glass food storage containers don't have glass lids, so Pyrex's all-glass storage set is a rare gem for those looking for containers with as little plastic as possible. The glass lids feature silicone rims to ensure airtight and leak-proof storage, but the lids themselves are made entirely of glass. The minimalist design is just as functional as it is beautiful—the sizes range from 16 ounces to 56 ounces, and both the containers and lids are microwave-, oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe.

However, these glass-on-glass containers are more heavy and cumbersome to transport than containers with plastic lids, so these may be best reserved for at-home use, as opposed to carrying to work or school.

Price at time of publish: $70

Glass Type: Tempered | Lid Type: Glass | Sizes: 2-cup round (1), 4-cup round (1), 7-cup round (1), 3-cup rectangle (1), 6-cup rectangle (1) | Care: Top-rack dishwasher-safe

Walmart

Who it's for: People who want to reduce food waste.

Who it isn't for: People who don't want to spend a lot on food storage containers.

If you make infrequent trips to the grocery store or prepare meals well in advance, these vacuum-sealed containers will keep food as fresh as the day it was prepared. Unlike most food storage containers that lock to keep air out, vacuum seal containers keep air out and remove any existing air—an important step when storing food in the freezer such as sliced bread and meats. Here's how it works: Dock the included vacuum pump onto the valve of the container or vacuum bag and push the button to extract air. Once enough air has been removed, the pump will automatically stop.

The starter set comes with the rechargeable vacuum pump, four vacuum bags, and two glass vacuum seal containers, the latter of which are freezer- microwave-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe and made with thermal-resistant borosilicate glass. And although this is the most expensive set on our list, it more than makes up for it by helping to reduce waste and cut down on food costs in the long run.

Price at time of publish: $100

Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 42 ounce-vacuum bag (2), 135-ounce vacuum bag (2), 4.6-cup rectangle (1), 9.6-cup rectangle (1), vacuum pump (1) | Care: Containers are dishwasher-safe

Amazon

Who it's for: People or families who want to store large quantities of leftovers.

Who it isn't for: People who have limited fridge, freezer, or pantry space.

Most of the time, food storage container sets feature small to medium containers for individual meal prep. But whether you're batch cooking ingredients or making large quantities of soup ahead of time, having at least one glass food storage container for larger portions can come in handy, particularly for families. This 8-cup container (which is available in other sizes too) features four locking tabs and a silicone seal for leak-proof storage, as well as borosilicate glass construction that can go from the freezer to the oven.

Price at time of publish: $17

Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 8-cup rectangle (1) | Care: Top-rack dishwasher-safe

Amazon

Who it’s for: People who like to batch cook and freeze meals in advance.

Who it isn’t for: People who need containers for snacks and small portions.

While nearly all of the food storage containers on our list are freezer-safe, this set is particularly helpful for those who like to batch cook and freeze meals in advance or store large quantities of ingredients in the freezer. The set comes with three square containers—making them suitable for stacking to maximize fridge and freezer space—in sizes ranging from 3.4 cups all the way up to 9.3 cups. The leak-proof lids feature a locking mechanism, so you can feel comfortable freezing soups without worrying about spills.

In addition to being freezer-safe, these containers are also safe for use in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher (just be sure to remove the lids before using the oven or microwave). Furthermore, the completely clear design makes it easy to see what’s inside, even when it’s frozen. Another reason this set is great for the freezer is it’s made with borosilicate glass, which can stand up better to extreme temperature changes than tempered glass. This is not the set to buy if you need a lot of little containers for small portions, but for those needing to store family-sized meals, it’s a great buy.

Price at time of publish: $36

Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 3.4-cup square (1), 5-cup square (1), 9.3-cup square (1) | Care: Dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended)

Amazon

Who it’s for: People with limited cabinet space to spare.

Who it isn’t for: People who want a set with a variety of shapes.

Rectangular storage containers are already the most space-saving option, but this Joseph Joseph set goes a step further with four rectangular containers and lids that nest together when not in use. This set is ideal for those living in a college dorm or small apartment, as well as anyone looking to avoid the dreaded mashup of random containers and lids floating around in a kitchen drawer.

Made from thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass, these containers are safe for use in the freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. The lids feature a snapping mechanism to keep them tightly shut, each in a different color so it’s easy to match them to their corresponding container. Although this set only comes with four containers, it still has a nice size range, from a 10.5-cup container for cooking and storing family-sized meals, all the way down to a 0.5-cup container for small portions of sauces or snacks. Given that this set is designed to take up the least amount of space possible, it doesn’t come with any square or round containers, so those looking for more variety should look elsewhere.

Price at time of publish: $35

Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 10.5-cup rectangle (1), 5.5-cup rectangle (1), 2.3-cup rectangle (1), 0.5-cup rectangle (1) | Care: Dishwasher-safe; lids top-rack only

Amazon

Who it’s for: People who want peace of mind when carrying soups and other liquids on the go.

Who it isn’t for: People who want stackable containers that maximize storage space or people who want oven-safe containers.

Packing soups and stews in your lunch box can be a perilous endeavor, but fortunately these leak-proof bowls were designed to make it less scary. The twist on-lid creates a tight seal–so much so that you may have to work at it a bit to get it open come lunchtime. The double-walled glass construction keeps foods warm, and thanks to the borosilicate glass, it can safely go from the microwave to the fridge and vice versa. However, this container is not designed for use in the oven, given that it has a silicone wrap (although it is safe for the dishwasher).

The silicone sleeve comes in a number of different pastel and neutral hues, giving these containers a real upscale feel. You can choose between a 2-cup bowl and 3-cup bowl, depending on your needs.

Price at time of publish: $25

Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic with silicone wrap | Sizes: 2-cup round or 3-cup round | Care: Dishwasher safe

The Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set is our top pick because it features the best variety of shapes and sizes for any storage, baking, or serving need. The containers themselves stack together neatly and are made from durable, tempered glass that is both lightweight and resistant to breaking if dropped or hit against something.

Glass is glass, right? Turns out, depending on how it's treated, glass can vary greatly in terms of durability, price, and function. Here are some of the most common types of glass you might come across in cookware or food storage:

Untreated soda lime glass is the least expensive type of glass, and is most commonly used for window panes, glass bottles, food jars, etc. Untreated glass is prone to shattering as a result of thermal shock, which is why it's not oven- or freezer-safe. Therefore, you're not likely to find food storage containers made with non-heat-treated soda-lime glass.

Tempered Glass is soda lime glass that has been heat treated to make it more durable and heat-resistant. It's considered safer than untreated glass, because when it does break, it crumbles as opposed to breaking into shards, so there's less likelihood of injury. Compared to both untreated glass and borosilicate glass, tempered glass is much less likely to break when dropped or hit against something.

Borosilicate Glass is the most resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can withstand extreme temperature changes. It contains boron trioxide, an ingredient that changes the nature of the glass and allows it to go straight from the freezer to the oven without cracking. On the downside, borosilicate is more expensive and more brittle than tempered glass, meaning it's more likely to break if you drop it.

So which type of glass is right for your needs? For carrying leftovers or work lunches on-the-go, tempered glass is the least prone to cracking if dropped. However, if you plan to subject your containers to extreme temperature changes (e.g. going from the oven to the fridge and vice versa), borosilicate glass food storage containers are the least likely to crack under these conditions.

Most glass food storage containers feature a plastic or silicone lid (often a plastic lid with a silicone seal), although it is possible to find glass food storage containers with glass lids (such as the Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set). Be sure to check the manufacturer instructions when it comes to your lid—oftentimes the glass containers will be oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe, but the plastic lids will not. Many plastic lids may be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack only.

Glass food storage containers with snap-on or locking lids feature a lock-in-place mechanism that protects from leaks and odors, making them an excellent choice for on-the-go storage, such as school or work lunches. "Snap-on lids are ideal for food storage because not only does it help keep odors in the containers (and not in your fridge), but it also ensures food won't spill if you're taking food to work with you," says Koren.

When you think about how you plan to use your storage containers, consider what features are most important for your needs. Planning to reheat leftovers at work? Make sure your containers are microwave-safe. Want to bake, serve, and store all in one container? Double check that your container is oven-safe and consider borosilicate glass for extreme temperature changes. Looking for a meal-prep helper? Freezer-safe food storage containers allow you to prep and store meals weeks in advance. Be sure to consider how these features may differ when it comes to lids, which are generally made from plastic.

How you plan to use your glass food storage containers will affect which size or variety of sizes you choose. Whether you're baking a family-size lasagna or storing tiny portions of baby food, glass food storage containers generally range from 1 cup to 7 cups, so there's a size to fit any storage need.

"For most lunches and dinners I like to use a 30-ounce (roughly 3 cups) container," says Koren. "This size holds plenty of food for one portion and is easy to carry around."

When it comes to shape, rectangular containers are the best for optimizing fridge or freezer space, while round containers can be good for storing liquids. For storing dry goods, consider what you plan to store in them—bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Some ingredients, such as whole grains, seeds, nuts, or ground spices, can go rancid when stored in bulk over long periods of time, so it may make more sense to purchase smaller containers for these ingredients.

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a variety of shapes and sizes for any need. Oftentimes variety sets feature containers that will stack easily to minimize the amount of space they take up in your cabinets. If you're looking for a container for a specific purpose, such as storing baby food, you’ll also find sets that include just one or two different sizes and shapes for a designated purpose.

This really comes down to personal preference, but Koren prefers glass: “Glass and plastic food storage containers function the same when it comes to storing food, though I prefer glass and recommend them to people who utilize meal prep and leftovers often,” says Koren. Glass food storage containers generally have a longer lifespan (provided they don’t break), are oven-safe, and less likely to retain odors or stains.

However, glass does have its disadvantages: Glass containers are heavier, more likely to break or shatter, and more expensive than plastic containers. With proper care, glass food storage containers will last a lot longer than plastic containers, but you have to assess their potential drawbacks as well, especially if you plan to carry the containers with you on-the-go. People with kids may also want to consider plastic containers to eliminate any risk of the glass breaking and causing injury.

Tempered glass is one of the most common and reliable types of glass for food storage because it's affordable, heat-resistant, and the least likely to break when dropped or hit against something. However, borosilicate is the better choice if your containers will be undergoing extreme heat changes.

Tempered glass containers can go in the oven and freezer, but you have to take special measures to avoid temperature shock: "If you plan on reheating food from frozen in glass containers, I recommend letting the container sit in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours to avoid the risk of shattering a cold container in a hot oven," says Koren. If you don't want to take these measures, opt for thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass.

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To put together this list, she spent hours researching the best glass food storage containers, evaluating them on durability, thermal shock-resistance, versatility, and value. For expert recommendations, she consulted Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog, Work Week Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook.